I'm sure that many of you can help me but I'm at a loss.
Picked up a mahogany dresser/chest that was made about 1820.
It had been painted many years and the price reflected that so I bought
it.
Stripped much of the paint using commercial stripper and revealed some
beautiful mahagony.
Some of the veneer was missing and patched with something before
painting.
This piece is really great and well worth the effort that it will take
to bring it back.
Would like to finish it in whatever it came with so long ago.
Some of the original finish remains when I remove the paint.
My question:
Can't identify the finish and need advice.
Assumed shellac because of its age. Alcohol did not soften it
Must be lacquer. Lacquer thinner did not soften it.
Wax? It is pretty early. Paint thinner didn't remove it.
There is only one coat of paint and one coat of the original finish and
I'm very sure of its age.
Any ideas will be appreciated.
Was anything but shellac used in 1820?
Could it have been refinished many many years ago?